Jewish Federation of Cincinnati

Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC)

The JCRC’s mission is to “protect Jewish security, recognizing that Jewish security depends on a just society for all.” It embodies the notion that we are all in this together; that not only is standing up for the rights of other marginalized communities the right thing to do, it is in our own self interest to make sure all communities thrive. 

Recently, I witnessed our mission in action in a number of meaningful, beautiful ways—instances where we as a Jewish community have stood in solidarity with others, and they’ve done so for us. During a time when it seems like division and controversy are ever-present, these acts of mutual support sustain me, and they should give you hope, too. 

Our Greater Cincinnati Board of Rabbis spoke in defense of immigrants and refugees, in a Cincinnati Enquirer op-ed condemning President Trump’s recent executive order. Our JCRC echoed similar concerns in our own statement. On behalf of our JCRC, I stood in solidarity with other minority groups alongside Mayor John Cranley, as he promised to ensure that Cincinnati remains a welcoming city for all.

A couple of weeks ago, our community came out in support of a Muslim woman in

Mason who was targeted in her own neighborhood by way of a hateful flyer that was circulated, accusing her of being a terrorist. I was moved by the diverse crowd of hundreds who joined us, standing for hours in the snow outside the Mason Community Center, to send the message that hate will not be tolerated.

And our friends have come to our aid too. Just last week, Cincinnati’s City Council passed a resolution re-affirming their condemnation of antisemitism and expressing their support for our Jewish community. It follows a similar resolution, passed by the Hamilton County Board of Commissioners.

In the days since the sign outside Hebrew Union College was vandalized, community groups, elected officials, and other organizations have raised their voices in solidarity with the college. HUC has received more than eight hundred letters of support.

After someone called a hoax bomb threat into Mayerson JCC, we received calls from our Muslim friends offering to come stand

in protection of the building. A banner the size of a small room that reads “SUA Supports JCC” now hangs in the Mayerson JCC offices, signed in solidarity by students from St. Ursula Academy. It’s pinned up next to another banner, signed by members of St. Francis De Sales, with a quote at the bottom that reads “The beauty of the world is in the diversity of its people.”

We must now, more than ever, take this opportunity to embrace each other—to act in good faith and with mutual support. As we move through uncharted waters, this should and must be our constant.